I am still trying to “break the fast” of life right now. Yes, still working on it. Progress, YAY! But today I wanted to share a guest post from one of my BBF’s. What’s a BBF? I totally made it up. It means Best Blog Friends, aka blends.
I have known Jolene for a few years and have had the privilege of getting to hang with her in person. She is one of those friends who is ALWAYS there for you. In fact, I’d call her my Sherpa blend. <3
Today she is talking about how she became a bad a** Barre instructor and the benefits of a barre workout. Trust me, you’ll want to go to her class after reading this.
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On the benefits of the barre and why it works (for me)
I feel so honored to write a guest post for Lindsay, one of the ‘blends’ I feel so blessed to have met virtually and also (recently), in person! I thought I would share today the benefits of a barre workout and why it just works (for me…and maybe for you too!).
First, a little background. I stumbled upon a local studio north of Boston called barre n9ne studio, almost two years ago now, and checked it out. They were holding a contest for a 60 day ‘body transformation’ and to become their spokesperson for a new 60 day challenge program. I entered my identical sister Jess and I to the contest and we won! In May 2011, we went through this challenge, which incorporated four classes a week, nutrition guidance and tracking etc. and we both lost about 18 inches in those first 60 days, and a total of about 22 inches and 25lbs since staying with the challenge program. From there, our ‘barre-volution’ continued as we officially became certified instructors at the studio, and haven’t looked back since!
With that as background, what I wanted to share today is some of the benefits of a barre workout and how it, combined with healthy eating, and cardio of choice (for me – running, and spinning!) has been the magic bullet for success. A lifestyle I can, and have, sustained for almost two years and there is not a day that goes by that I feel deprived or on a diet. There is no end game in this journey and that feels so peaceful and well, right, doesn’t it?
Barre workouts never get old and they never get easier. Ever.
Unlike other workouts I have done (and I’ve done it all – from Body Pump, to heavy weight lifting, to periodization type weight training, to kickboxing, etc. etc.), the workouts never get old and they never get easier. Who would have thought slow, controlled, intentional movements with 2-3 lb. weights would enact such change?
Barre workouts strengthen your legs as a runner, 360 degrees.
I love to run. But I have always have extremely tight hip flexors and somewhat weak glutes. I have noticed a huge change in the way I run, from my posture, to my body alignment, to my strength. I run stronger, better, and with more endurance than ever before. Barre workouts really strengthen every area of your leg and glutes, from quads, to hips, to glutes, to calves.
You’ll feel stronger, leaner, and ‘worked’ from head to toe.
I love seeing a client (or a friend) experience a class for the first time. Almost always, their first reaction (beyond saying it is the hardest workout they’ve ever done!) is – my body feels worked. They feel looser, stronger, and energetic. It really does foster its own ‘barre high’!
You’ll work your muscles to failure.
Contrary to what some may believe, you don’t have to just lift heavy to get your muscles to failure. This is the first workout that I have ever done where my muscles go to failure every single time, and that gives me the tone and leanness that I was always looking for in my arms and legs. Tiny movements, a zillion reps, and intentional squeezes and pulses, stimulating fast and slow twitch muscles (giving you both tone and endurance and leaning out your body). It’s actually fun. Truly.
I go to the studio, am surrounded by a community of women that support each other in so many ways. From sharing new foodie finds (even Healthy Bites! SO many clients are fueled by Lindsay’s bites of goodness!), to complimenting each other’s progress, it is a happy, positive place.
Ultimately, the barre is my happy place addiction (like whoa)! Finding a program that just works for me has made working out a joy and something I always look forward to and never tire of. And ultimately, isn’t that what it’s all about? Finding something that works for you, sticking to it, and seeing the results you always wanted. If you have always wanted to try a barre workout but haven’t, I urge you to as it truly is one of the best workouts I have ever done.
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Anyone ever tried a barre workout? If not, I’m sure there is one in your area! GO FOR IT!
Thank you Jo (aka Jolene) for the guest post. You my friend are AMAZING!
Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.
I just started barre classes and am in love! I am having a hard time figuring out a good balance between barre classes and cardio ( I usually run but am thinking of trying a spiining class). What is your schedule like? I ultimately want to do 3 days of barre and 3 days of cardio but starting out that might be too intense!
That is an awesome mix Katelan! I think I would start with 2-3 days of barre and your runs. 3 and 3 to start may be a bit intense, but if you do them on separate days, it is feasible! Such complementary workouts! Good luck! Where did you take your first class?
I’ve been dying to try a Barre class, but there aren’t any in our area. Are there ways of doing some of the exercises at home with a video or something. 🙂
I started going to barre classes a few years ago after not being able to run for over a year with an injury and looking for a different kind of workout. I LOVED it. Now that I’m back to running I wish I could fit in time for both. It was an amazing workout and so shocking to be able to get that sculpted from those light weights.
Oh my gosh I’m so glad I read this post! A barre studio just opened up near me and I’ve been thinking about trying it. Now I know I will! Yay for guest posts Lindsay!
One of my coworkers has been doing barre workouts for the past few months and I’ve seen a real change in her. I should go check it out next time she goes.
I’m not the biggest fan of barre so I go like once or twice a month for over a year. I know I should go more often! It’s actually on my agenda tomorrow!
Oh my goodness, this couldn’t have been on time for me to read! I recently started doing something similar to barre workouts although I’ve never done barre classes like the ones you teach. I’ve been in love with Leah Sarago’s Ballet Body DVDs and you are SO RIGHT when you say that barre style workouts never get easier, yet never get old/boring (btw have you heard of Leah?)
It’s amazing how fun it can be to ‘challenge’ myself and see what cool thing I can do with my muscles and body as a whole. I like the feeling of making myself into clay and see what I can achieve physically and mentally. My husband has noticed that something about my legs is different after 2 weeks of using Ballet Body too, so I think “awesome!” haha. Although I love to do other workouts here and there, I’m surprised that I’m liking such a ‘calm’ routine and sticking to it, as I usually tend to think I’m rocky balboa and bounce off the ceiling. 😀 Great post ladies, and thank you for opening our eyes to different things out there.
I love this Ellie! you are so right, it is such a challenge even though it’s sort of a ‘calm’ and unassuming workout if you watch it first isn’t it?! I have heard of Leah! That’s great!
Oh it’s so fun to see Jo here!! Two of my favorite people. I love Jo and Jess’ story about their barre-volution. Seriously awesome and inspiring. I’ve only taken one barre class and oh my goodness, the shake!! The muscle failure! Never experienced anything like it. I think that I have to go back.
ive been getting into barre workouts lately – its amazing what light weights and tiny little movements will do! love it and the hour goes by really fast.
I think I spent too many years in ballet to have any desire to see anything to do with a barre again for awhile! 😉 although the running improvement is interesting…and has my attention so maybe I’ll go back to the barre sooner than I thought!
Yes! I’ve taken one barre class, and truth be told, I wasn’t very impressed. Now that may be because the instructor was very young and inexperienced and because I like being taught by somebody who knows proper body mechanics and terminology.
I have heard great things and after reading this post, I’m totally willing to give it another go!
One of my fellow nurses is also a barre instructor at Bar Method here in NYC…they have a studios in a few other cities as well. I took a class once and my legs were SHAKING like crazy. Running works the same muscles over and over again, and she said runners always shake during certain moves. This nurse only does barre and she’s SO strong and fit. I’d definitely consider adding it to my workout plan but it’s quite expensive and not too close to my apartment.
Fabulous guest post and CONGRATS on a successful and healthy transformation, that has also led you to find your bliss! Very cool! I’ve never tried it, but there are plenty in my area. I will look into it.
small world – i went to barre n9ne last weekend – my best friend booked a private class for us for her birthday. it was harder than heck and my legs shook so much. wish it was closer to me in boston!
Yes! I plan on heading back to another class with Michelle soon. She has spoken volumes about the studio and how much it has changed her! As a triathlete (Linds hubby is my coach), I thought I was in good shape, but Barre certainly humbled me. I need it incorporated into my weekly workouts. Do you know of any places in the city?
SUCH a small world that Lindsay’s husband is your trainer!! SO COOL! There are some studios in the city, more of the chain types though – Bar Method, Pure Barre, Core Fusion.
I have been wanting to take these classes since Jobo first started talking about them. She’s so passionate and excited, I bet her classes would be addictive! I wanna take them!!!
I don’t know very much about Barre, but from what I understand from this fabulous post is that it may just be the perfect thing for my uncoordinated self who is not a fan of heavy lifting… I need to research more of what’s available in my area. It would be the perfect balance for my running addiction 🙂
Weird/silly question, do men do Barre workouts? I think my husband could really benefit from this, he has THE tightest hips in the world. He’s triend to do yoga but it just doesn’t mesh with him that well!
DEF the perfect balance to running!! you will really notice a difference!! As for men doing barre, I have seen some men do it before, my fiancee has done it a few times with me and he actually REALLY found it very helpful!! Most men wimp out though (half kidding, but really, any men that come to class find it SO HARD!! and I secretly love that so much!) 🙂
You know I adore you both – great guest spot. Barre is on my to-do list in 2013. Looks like it’s been keeping the ladies in shape and energized. Really have only heard good things about it!
Hi there! That’s awesome about the classes you took at pure barre! Classes are somewhat similar, but most, if not all, barre-style workouts follow the original Lotte Berk method. They all tend to vary in some way, and I would say one of ours would be that we stick to 2-3 lb weights but a LOT LOT LOT of reps, while other studios might go up to 5 lbs, but only do 1-2 sets of weighted exercises. Just as an example! Glad you like the classes!
Last summer I took barre classes for a month 3-4x a week and my core had never felt that strong. Loved the classes, but they were just so dang expensive. Thinking about getting back into it again though.
I’d love to try that ….I took ballet as a girl and I was the odball who actually loved the bar work.
(Pirouettes in the middle of the floor and leaps were not my strong point)
This sounds sort of like ballet combined with calisthenics.
Jolene, you are AMAZING! seriously, you have been such an inspiration and it has been a great time watching this whole journey – I get a giddy contact high just from reading!!
I have a friend here who loves barre – LOVES IT so much she now works there too. I keep meaning to try…
I have been wanting to try ever since I saw this a couple years ago – or maybe more… I don’t have one near plus no extra $$ right now but maybe in the future. Sounds amazing!
I haven’t been to a barre workout, but it looks like a lot of fun. There isn’t a studio near me though, so I’d have to make a pretty decent drive to get to one. 🙂
Looveeeeeee 🙂 🙂 🙂
Awesome post sis — you hit the nail on the head: worked to failure. Every.Single.Time. Life-changing to say the least. LOVE the barre!!
I have not yet tried BARRE, but definitely want to. There was a bit of a… hmmm…. interesting social media situation when the first local location opened. Now that a second studio is opening on the other side of town, I might give that 2nd one a try.
Jo and her sister Jess just make it look so fabulous!
I am completely in love with what Jolene and Jessica have! I even feel like a part of their barre community even though I can’t physically be there. Barre workouts are actually one of my favorites. They are sneaky good and I completely agree that they make your posture so much better along with building strength in those hard to get to places. I think I fell in love with barre workouts because the inner ballerina in me (that never was) gets to emerge! Great post! Jo is truly an inspiration!
I tried a similar class once at Physique 57. It was hard! My legs were shaking, I needed to take a couple breaks, and yet, I still wasn’t at all sore the next day. I am still perplexed by this. haha
I’ve been curious about barre – it’s starting to pop up everywhere in ATL! Maybe I’ll get a Groupon and check it out. I love shaking it up… even though my trainer hates it. 🙂
We just got a barre studio in our neighborhood, and despite the fact that I really dislike paying for workouts (since I have a gym in my home, small, but mighty!) I really have been walking to give it a try. I have a friend in California who came to my wedding this year and looked AMAZING. I asked her what she had been doing and of course….the BARRE was her answer. Yep, I need to try this. Great post.
Seattle, WA! I am already addicted!
I just started barre classes and am in love! I am having a hard time figuring out a good balance between barre classes and cardio ( I usually run but am thinking of trying a spiining class). What is your schedule like? I ultimately want to do 3 days of barre and 3 days of cardio but starting out that might be too intense!
That is an awesome mix Katelan! I think I would start with 2-3 days of barre and your runs. 3 and 3 to start may be a bit intense, but if you do them on separate days, it is feasible! Such complementary workouts! Good luck! Where did you take your first class?
Barre sounds so much fun!! I need to try so many things LOL! Yoga still hehe(it’s on my list for 2013 🙂 ) and definitely Barre too!!
I’ve been dying to try a Barre class, but there aren’t any in our area. Are there ways of doing some of the exercises at home with a video or something. 🙂
Yay for blends!! This barre stuff sounds awesome! I haven’t heard of it before, but will definitely check it out!
Barre sounds fantastic. Id live to try it, especially for the glute stregthening!
no kidding. Glute work for runners is KEY!
I started going to barre classes a few years ago after not being able to run for over a year with an injury and looking for a different kind of workout. I LOVED it. Now that I’m back to running I wish I could fit in time for both. It was an amazing workout and so shocking to be able to get that sculpted from those light weights.
it’s hard to find all the time, but once you find your sweet spot, it’s a nice balance, yes?
Oh my gosh I’m so glad I read this post! A barre studio just opened up near me and I’ve been thinking about trying it. Now I know I will! Yay for guest posts Lindsay!
yes yes! do it, and report back, k? Exciting!
One of my coworkers has been doing barre workouts for the past few months and I’ve seen a real change in her. I should go check it out next time she goes.
oh you should, then report back here!
yes, do it! and let me know how it goes friend.
Lifting heavy is my main love, but I’d love to take a few barre classes just to shake things up every so often–wish my gym offered them!
i know, i think it would be a good balance. and i wish all classes were free… some day?? dreaming. <3
I have tried barre class — they had it at my old gym. I definitely could not walk up stairs the next day!!!
haha, i can relate. Hurts so good!
I’m not the biggest fan of barre so I go like once or twice a month for over a year. I know I should go more often! It’s actually on my agenda tomorrow!
oh yay! perfect timing! wish i could go with you!
Oh my goodness, this couldn’t have been on time for me to read! I recently started doing something similar to barre workouts although I’ve never done barre classes like the ones you teach. I’ve been in love with Leah Sarago’s Ballet Body DVDs and you are SO RIGHT when you say that barre style workouts never get easier, yet never get old/boring (btw have you heard of Leah?)
It’s amazing how fun it can be to ‘challenge’ myself and see what cool thing I can do with my muscles and body as a whole. I like the feeling of making myself into clay and see what I can achieve physically and mentally. My husband has noticed that something about my legs is different after 2 weeks of using Ballet Body too, so I think “awesome!” haha. Although I love to do other workouts here and there, I’m surprised that I’m liking such a ‘calm’ routine and sticking to it, as I usually tend to think I’m rocky balboa and bounce off the ceiling. 😀 Great post ladies, and thank you for opening our eyes to different things out there.
oh awesome awesome! I bet your legs are toned and more! makes me happy to hear from you too Ellie! <3
I love this Ellie! you are so right, it is such a challenge even though it’s sort of a ‘calm’ and unassuming workout if you watch it first isn’t it?! I have heard of Leah! That’s great!
Oh it’s so fun to see Jo here!! Two of my favorite people. I love Jo and Jess’ story about their barre-volution. Seriously awesome and inspiring. I’ve only taken one barre class and oh my goodness, the shake!! The muscle failure! Never experienced anything like it. I think that I have to go back.
ive been getting into barre workouts lately – its amazing what light weights and tiny little movements will do! love it and the hour goes by really fast.
and i’m proud your doing strength! Such a good balance for a runner, yes?
both Lori and I look forward in trying a Barre class, hopefully soon!
oh I know you all will LOOOOOVE it! keep us posted!
I think I spent too many years in ballet to have any desire to see anything to do with a barre again for awhile! 😉 although the running improvement is interesting…and has my attention so maybe I’ll go back to the barre sooner than I thought!
haha, i remember you said that. I think you need to come to states and take it with me. SOOOOOOOON! yes?
Yes! I’ve taken one barre class, and truth be told, I wasn’t very impressed. Now that may be because the instructor was very young and inexperienced and because I like being taught by somebody who knows proper body mechanics and terminology.
I have heard great things and after reading this post, I’m totally willing to give it another go!
i think each studio is different and totally depends on the instructor, yes?
Totally agree. Wasn’t meaning to be critical of the entire genre…
oh i knew you were not being critical. Just honest, and as a fitness instructor yourself, that’s important. Hugs!
I grew up wanting to be a ballerina. I’ve never done a barre class but I’ve no doubts I would love it! Great post!
One of my fellow nurses is also a barre instructor at Bar Method here in NYC…they have a studios in a few other cities as well. I took a class once and my legs were SHAKING like crazy. Running works the same muscles over and over again, and she said runners always shake during certain moves. This nurse only does barre and she’s SO strong and fit. I’d definitely consider adding it to my workout plan but it’s quite expensive and not too close to my apartment.
oh i know! crazy shakes, and it’s good too! all those little stabilizing muscles. WHOA! Let me know if you give it a whirl again susan.
😉
Fabulous guest post and CONGRATS on a successful and healthy transformation, that has also led you to find your bliss! Very cool! I’ve never tried it, but there are plenty in my area. I will look into it.
Aww, thank you so much!! You should try it, it’s such FUN and so killer 🙂
I wish we had a barre studio here, but I do some online barre workouts, and I’m obsessed with pilates and physique 57.
small world – i went to barre n9ne last weekend – my best friend booked a private class for us for her birthday. it was harder than heck and my legs shook so much. wish it was closer to me in boston!
SUCH a small world Kim!! You are referring to Michelle, right? SO COOL! I am so glad you loved it!!
Yes! I plan on heading back to another class with Michelle soon. She has spoken volumes about the studio and how much it has changed her! As a triathlete (Linds hubby is my coach), I thought I was in good shape, but Barre certainly humbled me. I need it incorporated into my weekly workouts. Do you know of any places in the city?
SUCH a small world that Lindsay’s husband is your trainer!! SO COOL! There are some studios in the city, more of the chain types though – Bar Method, Pure Barre, Core Fusion.
I keep meaning to try barre! One of these days… Thanks for the post!
any in SLC? between that and GPP you’d be a bad ass. Like you even more. 😉
I have been wanting to take these classes since Jobo first started talking about them. She’s so passionate and excited, I bet her classes would be addictive! I wanna take them!!!
Love this guest post, Jolene! Love you!
Thank you T!! I really hope you can take a class soon and we can meet up again and do a class together!
I don’t know very much about Barre, but from what I understand from this fabulous post is that it may just be the perfect thing for my uncoordinated self who is not a fan of heavy lifting… I need to research more of what’s available in my area. It would be the perfect balance for my running addiction 🙂
Weird/silly question, do men do Barre workouts? I think my husband could really benefit from this, he has THE tightest hips in the world. He’s triend to do yoga but it just doesn’t mesh with him that well!
DEF the perfect balance to running!! you will really notice a difference!! As for men doing barre, I have seen some men do it before, my fiancee has done it a few times with me and he actually REALLY found it very helpful!! Most men wimp out though (half kidding, but really, any men that come to class find it SO HARD!! and I secretly love that so much!) 🙂
you too look adorable in that pic!
You know I adore you both – great guest spot. Barre is on my to-do list in 2013. Looks like it’s been keeping the ladies in shape and energized. Really have only heard good things about it!
ooohh! you know i just completed 20 barre classes in 30 days! it was the pure barre method so how is it different from this one?
I know, i thought of you! I’m going to ask Jolene is she knows the answer. I know they are similar though
Hi there! That’s awesome about the classes you took at pure barre! Classes are somewhat similar, but most, if not all, barre-style workouts follow the original Lotte Berk method. They all tend to vary in some way, and I would say one of ours would be that we stick to 2-3 lb weights but a LOT LOT LOT of reps, while other studios might go up to 5 lbs, but only do 1-2 sets of weighted exercises. Just as an example! Glad you like the classes!
Last summer I took barre classes for a month 3-4x a week and my core had never felt that strong. Loved the classes, but they were just so dang expensive. Thinking about getting back into it again though.
wish they were free for runners, haha. Now that would be awesome!
I’d love to try that ….I took ballet as a girl and I was the odball who actually loved the bar work.
(Pirouettes in the middle of the floor and leaps were not my strong point)
This sounds sort of like ballet combined with calisthenics.
wish we could go together. I love it too!
I’ve never heard of this, but a supportive workout group is so important (especially when you are feeling the burnnnn).
I tried Barre last spring! It was great. Definitely a kick ass workout. My glutes were sore for 3 days lol
Jolene, you are AMAZING! seriously, you have been such an inspiration and it has been a great time watching this whole journey – I get a giddy contact high just from reading!!
I have a friend here who loves barre – LOVES IT so much she now works there too. I keep meaning to try…
i say we jump a flight and go take their class together, yes?
YES!!
YES PLEASE! And thank you Kristina, you are so sweet! I hope you find a local class!!
I have been wanting to try ever since I saw this a couple years ago – or maybe more… I don’t have one near plus no extra $$ right now but maybe in the future. Sounds amazing!
i know, wish all fitness classes were free for a week. Just to at least try, ya know?
I haven’t been to a barre workout, but it looks like a lot of fun. There isn’t a studio near me though, so I’d have to make a pretty decent drive to get to one. 🙂
Looveeeeeee 🙂 🙂 🙂
Awesome post sis — you hit the nail on the head: worked to failure. Every.Single.Time. Life-changing to say the least. LOVE the barre!!
you two just make me smile!
yeah Jolene!
I have not yet tried BARRE, but definitely want to. There was a bit of a… hmmm…. interesting social media situation when the first local location opened. Now that a second studio is opening on the other side of town, I might give that 2nd one a try.
Jo and her sister Jess just make it look so fabulous!
I hope you get to try the second studio…orrrr upon your next visit to Boston, you know we are SO doing this together 😉
I’ve not yet tried it though I do keep hearing great things
great for marathon training!! Totally try it!
I keep trying to get either Jess or Jo to move to LR to open a studio. Just sayin’ LOL. Barre reminds me so much of my ballet days.
how about you all move to austin? hehe
How about you both move to Boston 😉 heehee.
I’ve tried barre once – itz hard!!!
hurts so good, yes?
I am completely in love with what Jolene and Jessica have! I even feel like a part of their barre community even though I can’t physically be there. Barre workouts are actually one of my favorites. They are sneaky good and I completely agree that they make your posture so much better along with building strength in those hard to get to places. I think I fell in love with barre workouts because the inner ballerina in me (that never was) gets to emerge! Great post! Jo is truly an inspiration!
me too me too!!! Let’s all go visit and embrace our inner ballerina!
Thank you Sarena!! I SO wish you were closeby too and we could share in this TOGETHER!! on the bucket list 🙂
I tried a similar class once at Physique 57. It was hard! My legs were shaking, I needed to take a couple breaks, and yet, I still wasn’t at all sore the next day. I am still perplexed by this. haha
bahaha, yes, i am equally perplexed. shaking and all!
I’ve been curious about barre – it’s starting to pop up everywhere in ATL! Maybe I’ll get a Groupon and check it out. I love shaking it up… even though my trainer hates it. 🙂
i actually think it would be good for all the stabilizer muscles. Maybe pre competition to make them “pop?” yes? just a thought
We just got a barre studio in our neighborhood, and despite the fact that I really dislike paying for workouts (since I have a gym in my home, small, but mighty!) I really have been walking to give it a try. I have a friend in California who came to my wedding this year and looked AMAZING. I asked her what she had been doing and of course….the BARRE was her answer. Yep, I need to try this. Great post.
do they have a week pass? if so, you should go!